Shabu floods Metro Manila streets and prices drop

By:
Romina Cabrera (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines — While prices of basic commodities have been rising, the cost of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu has dropped by more than a third as a ton of the drug that slipped into the country through magnetic lifters has “flooded” the streets of Metro Manila, according to the head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

PDEA director general Aaron Aquino, in an interview with “The Chiefs” on Cignal TV’s OneNews, said shabu prices are now at their lowest at P1,600 to P2,000 per gram in the National Capital Region.

Shabu prices in Metro Manila peaked at P6,800 per gram at the height of the government’s war against illegal drugs, but prices have gone down as the P6.8-shabu shipment that made its way to a warehouse in Cavite is now circulating on the streets.

“It just shows (that) there is too much supply. Prices have gone down since the discovery of the magnetic lifters. The shabu is now on the streets, being used,” Aquino said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Aquino said there are indications that the shabu shipment was downloaded only in Metro Manila as shabu prices in adjacent regions, Central Luzon (Region 3) and Calabarzon (Region 4-A), remain high.


The PDEA chief earlier said they were able to track down the shipment but operatives were only able to recover a kilogram of shabu, as well as plastic, aluminum foil and other wrappings used to hide the drug.

Aquino said the P6.8-billion shabu shipment should not be denied by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), whose leadership claimed that the empty magnetic lifters did not contain drugs as these allegedly tested negative during a swab test.

Aquino also hit BOC Commissioner Isidro Lapeña’s for not ordering a full-blown investigation on the shipment.

“Never did I hear the commissioner (warn) that he will sack his employees (or) he will conduct a full-blown investigation on (who facilitated entry of) these particular magnetic lifters, which got out of customs. I never heard that,” Aquino added.

Aquino said he has talked to President Duterte and cleared up their contradicting statements when the Chief Executive said the presence of shabu in the empty magnetic lifters was “pure speculation.”

The National Bureau of Investigation is probing three individuals who figured in the controversial shipment, namely former PDEA deputy director general for administration Ismael Fajardo, BOC intelligence officer Jimmy Guban and dismissed Senior Supt. Eduardo Acierto.

Aquino said they are waiting for the committee report of Congress before charges are filed against the suspects.

A most down-to-earth book

When tragedy strikes, it's easy to harden our hearts and cry out, "God, why did you let this happen?" Maybe then, we started praying. Before, when everything goes smooth, we would not even think a minute about praying... .

"To be a Christian without prayer, "said Martin Luther, "is no more possible than to be alive without breathing." Prayer is the only way of becoming what God wants us to be. This is the reason, why Jesus spent many hours in praying.

Unquestionable, our needs bring us to a place of prayer. Confronted with danger or tragedies, as I mentioned earlier, we look for God's help. Difficult times always cause the hearts of men to turn to God into prayer. 

Let me ask you: How long has it been since your're brought your burdens to God? Since you asked His forgiveness for your shortcomings? 

In his very interesting book "People in Prayer", Dr. John White reminds us that prayer is a divine-human interaction and it is always God who takes the initiative. White write: "God speaks and we respond. God is always speaking. To hear his voice is not usually a mystical experience. It consists merely of a willingness to pay heed to God who lays a claim to our lives."

Yes, God always speaks. It is up to us whether we will listen and respond to Him. Many think we are the ones who initiate prayer. But prayers begin and end with God. 

There was a time, I wasn't in the mood to pray any more. It seemed that God didn't listen my prayer any more. I didn't get what I prayed for. Of course, not... ! That's not the meaning of praying to God. All my wishes will be granted? Heaven forbid!

Sometimes, after we have prayed, God's answers may puzzle us. But as time times goes by and as events unfold we see God's purpose in his answers. We might get a larger vision, what HE likes. Not what WE like... .

Think about it for a moment" How does the idea that prayer begins and ends with God affect me now? Do I have the habit of listening to god? How do I respond to Him? How do I usually pray?

I confess that long time ago I have been trying to persuade God to change other people in my surroundings or circumstances. Nothing changed. Of course not, what a fatal attraction? I got confused because God never granted my requests. Meanwhile I got God's answers to my prayers. Maybe very simple: I was willing to let God change me... .This is how each one of us should start. Happy endings. Because I prayed according to His will... .

Talking about prayer, we also have to mention the probably most down-earth book in the bible which is  Proverbs. Its education prepares you for the street and the marketplace, not the schoolroom The book offers the warm advice you get by growing up in a good family. It covers small questions as well as large: talking too much, visiting neighbors to often, being unbearable cheerful to early in the morning. Proverbs simply tells how life works most of the time. 

I always love to quote proverbs, which express truth about life in an elegant, witty kernel. You should not hunt through it for proverbs you might like. You should study the whole book to get its overall point of view. This takes time, for Proverbs covers dozens of subjects in the subtle detail.

Philippines ready to help disaster-hit Indonesia

INDONESIA. Residents take a bath amidst remains of toppled homes and structures at the earthquake and tsunami-hit Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia on Friday Oct. 5, 2018. As the sun slipped behind the mountains and a gentle breeze blew onshore, hundreds of people gathered on an Indonesian beach Friday to chant a Muslim prayer and remember those they lost one week after a massive earthquake and tsunami ravaged the area, killing more than 1,500 people. (AP)

By: RUTH ABBEY GITA

THE Philippines has expressed its sympathies to Indonesia, following the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that killed over 1,500 in Sulawesi Island.

President Rodrigo Duterte assured disaster-stricken Indonesia that it would receive assistance from the Philippine Government.

“The Filipino nation extends its most sincere sympathies to our Indonesian brothers and sisters affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami,” the Chief Executive said in a statement released Friday, October 5.

“The Philippines stands with Indonesia during this most difficult time and is ready to provide assistance to Indonesia,” he added.

“The Philippines will do its part, no matter how modest, to help ensure that the challenges Indonesia currently faces, will be overcome,” he stressed. (SunStar Philippines)

German Day of Unity

Pia Wurtzbach first Filipina figure in Tussauds Hong Kong

By: Helen Flores (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach will join other famous celebrities who have wax models in Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.

Wurtzbach is the first Filipino to get a wax figure at Madame Tussauds, a wax museum that first opened in London over 200 years ago.

The beauty queen announced on Instagram that her figure would be available for viewing starting next year.

“When I found out, I was so excited. I couldn’t believe it! In my head, this is something that only happens to big stars,” Wurtzbach said.

“I go to Madame Tussauds, so I know what it’s like and how fun it is there. And now, thinking that I’m going to be one of them, I’m very honored, I’m very grateful and I can’t wait to see it,” she said.


Wurtzbach recently went through the measurement process – also known as a “sitting” – for her wax figure, with a team from London.

“It was really quite a process and it’s so high tech! One second they were only taking a photo of my face then next thing I know, I see my face from different angles so instantly. It’s amazing,” she said.

Wurtzbach will be joining the likes of Taylor Swift, Jackie Chan and Choi Siwon.

Madame Tussauds HK described Wurtzbach as “a queen in every definition of the word.”

Wurtzbach’s wax figure will be joining those of the greatest from around the world throughout history in 2019, it said.

Madame Tussauds general manager Jenny You said Wurtzbach’s inclusion in the famous museum is their way of showing their appreciation to the Filipino community living and visiting Hong Kong.

“With Pia’s sweet, positive and fun personality, we really could not have imagined having anyone but her to represent the Philippines in this way and what better way to share this milestone but on her birthday?” You said in a statement.

Wurtzbach’s victory became controversial after host Steve Harvey initially announced the wrong winner of the Miss Universe 2015 pageant.

Madame Tussauds has opened museums in major cities all over the world. – Charmie Joy Pagulong

Standing by myself?

My column in Mindanao Daily and BusinessWeek Mindanao

While being a columnist of "Tinig ng Bayan" (published in Abra) during the 1980's, I even remember nowadays Taiwanese coordinator Cristina Lising-Geronga, who expressed herself in innumerable write ups about the topic loneliness. Sure, "Tinig ng Bayan" has been a publication or Filipinos abroad. Loneliness, borne by Filipinos living abroad while missing their families in the Philippines became a very "normal" expression.

During that time my late mentor Monsignor Professor Dr. Dr. Hermogenes E. Bacareza, Chaplain of the Philippine Community in Berlin, started together with me publishing "Ang Mabuhay". Believe me, "loneliness" became a main topic in many write-ups.

How comes that loneliness is still a general topic in so many families nowadays all over the globe? 

Loneliness has been called one of the main diseases of this and last century. It really doesn't strike not only the Filipinos abroad and their love ones back home. Too often loneliness is being followed by alcoholism, drug abuse and even suicide. Yes, loneliness becomes a modern day plague.  I observed several people trying to surround themselves with so-called "friends" only to find that such relationships are often shallow and unsatisfying.

Loneliness can be painful but being lonely or alone at that is not always a bad thing. Ask yourself, how do  you use your time, if you are really alone? Do you simply let the time pass without doing anything  at all? Why not use such time productively? There are many worthwhile activities to engage in, even if you are alone, such as reading, writing, listen to good (light) music, play an (forgotten?) instrument, gardening... .

Reading the bible can be also very particularly beneficial.  The Word of God is "alive and exerts power" and can take our minds off ourselves. 

To break the cycle of loneliness, one must be a giver. Let's keep an eye, not only and always on our personal interests but also on the interests others. Look around and watch out who needs help, or who needs a real friend or good listener. Once you have spotted such a person, act! Thus, in order to have friends, you must act like a friend. Luke 6:38 says, "Give to others, and God will give to you!" Besides, "There is more happiness (and less loneliness) in giving then receiving", says Acts 20:35.

Comval Governor Uy delivered his 2nd SOPA

Compostela Valley Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy delivered his second State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Tuesday, September 18 at Monkayo Dome, Comval.

Gov. Uy reported the province’s accomplishment in line with his “One Comval, One vision” highlivghting the4Ps of his administration; Planet, Prosperity, People and Peace.

In planet, the governor centered his speech in the effort done by the province in partnership with the Municipal Local Government Units and other partners in regards to the environment. One of which is the ongoing rehabilitation of the Diwalwal.

“Amid all the talks and noises covering this issue, let me restate my official position: Our priority is the rehabilitation of the Diwalwal,” the governor said.

With all the problems surrounding the shortage of rice supply, Gov. Uy proudly shared that Comval is 98% rice sufficient as drawn from the report of nine (9) rice-producing municipalities. In fact, the province is a consistent recipient of Department of Agriculture’s Rice Achiever Award.

For people, he mentioned the programs of the province that are innovative and participatory. The success of the Bayanihan Para saKalusugan – KusinangKalinga (BPsK – KnK) program had inspired the province to bring the BPsK-KnK into a new level. The PLGU plans to conduct a universal feeding, wherein elementary pupils, regardless of their nutritional status will be fed for 120 days during lunchtime in five pilot areas in the province, namely; Upper Ulip ES in Pantukan, Anagase ES in Monkayo, Lono-Lono ES in Mawab, LS Sarmiento ES in Laak and Libuak ES in Maco. The activity is set on October, this year.

The province peace agenda covers two important pursuits, the reduction of crime and curbing agency. The PLGU continue to strengthen the anti-drug abuse councils of every LGU and actively worked for the social and economic reforms in the geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities.

The governor ended his SOPA giving thanks and acknowledging the people behind the province’s achievements and encouraging his fellow public servant, particularly the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members to continuewhat they have started.

“Victories should not stop. It should continue. I intend to keep the bayanihan spirit alive to witness more victories. I intend to keep the vision of our province to see more triumphs. I intend to connect and reach out to more people. I intend to keep the unity. I intend to bring more peace, deliver more progress and change more lives. So that by the time that we rename our province’s name to Davao de Oro by next year, we will be stronger than before,” he said.(Sheldane Mahinay// ID Comval)

Compostela Valley Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy delivered his second State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Tuesday, September 18 at Monkayo Dome, Comval. the SOPA centered on the province’s accomplishment in line with his “One Comval, One vision” highlighting the4Ps of his administration; Planet, Prosperity, People and Peace. (Maryel Lasaca// ID Comval)

Mango Trees are blooming

Blooming mango trees in my garden ...

Let's wait and pray for another good harvest ...

Comval holds HIV Summit 2018

By Rey Antibo

Compostela Valley Province--- The provincial government through the Provincial Health Office (PHO) in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) holds HIV Summit 2018 with the theme: “Right to Health, Getting to Zero, Ends Aids,” on September 7, 2018 at the Social Hall, Capitol Building, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province.

Attending the summit were the officials from the PHO headed by Dr. Antonio P. Ybiernas Jr.,- PG Department Head, Placido Alcomendras Jr.- Assistant Provincial Administrator representing Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, and Atty. Niel John A. Villarico – OIC Provincial Legal Officer.

Dr. Ybiernas explained about the difference between Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

According to Ybiernas that “HIV is a person that has the virus in the body with no symptoms, it depends on the immune system to combat the virus while AIDS is a person already with the disease, having problems with lungs, with the immune system, the person is very sick because of the huge amount of the virus.”

Also present during the event were the different youth associations of the province as well as the LGBT group, high school and college students with the Municipal Health officers and employees of the Rural Health Units (RHU).

Meanwhile, Raffy Ardemil from Cagayan De Oro City a person living with HIV (PLHIV) shares his experience of fighting HIV for almost 3 years of survival.

He also inspired others to undergo HIV counseling and testing to prevent future damage for those who have risky behavior and with multiple partners.

He encouraged others by helping his advocacy and the society and willing to commit for the HIV and AIDS Advocacy program.

Ardemil challenged the participants to hug him in person because a PLHIV needs a hug.

“Let’s fight HIV not a person living with HIV,” Ardemil said.

During the program, the RHUs HIV counselors and representatives shares their best practices on how to prevent and control the HIV as well as a Lecture on Republic Act 8504 also known as the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 by Atty. Villarico.

The presentation of Strategies Formulated during the Breakout Sessions of the 11 municipalities was also held with the Signing of the Pledge of Commitment, Message of Commitment and Support by the partners and the awarding of Certificate of Appreciation was also done. (Rey Antibo, ID Comval)

Blogger apologizes to deaf community ...

... over latest controversial video with Mocha

By: (philstar.com) 

MANILA, Philippines — Blogger Andrew Olivar apologized on Monday for making fun of deaf people on his latest video with Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson.

"Binababa ko po sarili ko, nagpapakumbaba. Alam ko mahirap, alam ko mali ako e. Hindi ako magri-reason out. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry po. Patawarin nyo po ako sa pagiging insensitive ko, sa pagiging childish ko," Olivar said in a Facebook post, which generated more than 58,000 views on its first two hours.

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"Humihingi po ako ng tawad po sa mga (sic) deaf community," he added.

The video was also shared by Uson on her Facebook account, with a caption, "Sorry po."

Uson and Olivar drew flak for their latest video uploaded last Thursday and which was viewed as highly offensive of the deaf community.


The video starred Olivar and Uson promoting their new radio show. At the start of the video, Uson, who was taking the video, can be heard laughing on the background after Olivar obliged to mimic the sign language at her directions.

"Para kang unggoy diyan," Uson told Olivar in the video after the latter's attempt to do the sign language.

Several quarters, including Sen. Nancy Binay, have criticized Uson and Olivar for the video.

"Hindi nakakatuwa ang huling video ni Asec. Mocha Uson at Drew Olivar. It is disrespectful to the sizable deaf/mute community who already struggle in airing their concerns and aspirations," Binay said in a statement.

In his apology, Olivar claimed to be an advocate of persons with disabilities and said he "was also hurt" by the video he helped made since he also has friends who are suffering from disabilities.

"Yung sorry siguro nakakapagpagaan ng loob, pero 'di nakakatama ng mali. Nasa sa inyo na po kung ano pong desisyon niyo. Kung tatanggapin niyo po ito," Olivar said.

This was not the first time that Uson and Olivar drew flak for their videos. In August, the duo was slammed for making fun of the federalism campaign, a key initiative of President Rodrigo Duterte to spread economic wealth concentrated in Metro Manila towards the provinces.

The now infamous video has been dubbed as "Pepederalismo," a play of the words involving women's private parts and federalism. It was coined from Olivar's lewd dance in the video, with the lyrics: "Ipepe-dede-ralismo!"

Uson, a former sexy star, was slapped with a "written reminder" regarding ethical standards applicable to public officials. Two weeks ago, Duterte himself said that Uson, who has been his supporter since his presidential campaign, went overboard.